Bipolar Electrosurgical Device with Nested Electrodes and Fluid Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar electrosurgical devices are limited in size due to the presence of two electrodes, making them unsuitable for certain procedures like laparoscopic surgery, and they often cause undesirable thermal damage to tissue.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar electrosurgical device with a conically-shaped electrode tip featuring a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulator between them, along with a fluid outlet for applying conductive fluid, allowing for precise tissue treatment and minimizing thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bipolar device with two electrodes is used, then the return current path flows minimally through the patient and tissue penetration depth is reduced, but the device size increases making it unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the active and return electrodes within a single shaft structure, nesting the return electrode inside the shaft while the active electrode extends from the distal end. This nesting approach allows the bipolar device to maintain its compact size suitable for laparoscopic surgery while preserving the dual-electrode configuration for controlled current flow through tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the return electrode at a different spatial dimension (inside the shaft) relative to the active electrode (at the distal end), creating a three-dimensional electrode arrangement. This dimensional separation allows both electrodes to function effectively while keeping the overall device profile compact for minimally invasive procedures.
2Length of moving object
If a bipolar device with two electrodes is used, then tissue penetration depth is reduced, but the device size increases making it unsuitable for certain procedures
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the return electrode within the shaft and positioning the active electrode at the distal end, the patent achieves controlled current flow through a limited tissue depth while maintaining a compact device size suitable for minimally invasive procedures.
3Productivity
If conventional bipolar electrodes are used, then tissue dissection and coagulation can be performed, but undesirable thermal damage occurs to the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conductive fluid as an intermediary substance applied to the tissue between the active and return electrodes. This conductive fluid mediates the RF energy delivery, improving current distribution through the tissue while reducing direct electrode-tissue contact that causes thermal damage and charring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the treatment environment by introducing conductive fluid, which modifies the tissue's electrical conductivity. This parameter change allows for more uniform current distribution and reduced localized heating, enabling effective tissue dissection and coagulation with minimized thermal damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides efficient tissue dissection and coagulation with reduced risk of thermal damage, enabling its use in laparoscopic procedures and maintaining consistent tissue temperature for effective surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Electrosurgical devices use electrical energy, often radio frequency (RF) energy, to cut tissue or to cauterize blood vessels
Implementation Method 2
A bipolar electrosurgical device with a conically-shaped electrode tip featuring a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulator between them, along with a fluid outlet for applying conductive fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A bipolar electrosurgical device includes a shaft and an electrode tip coupled to a distal end of the shaft. At least a portion of the electrode tip extends distally beyond the distal end of the shaft and includes an insulator extending between a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is configured to be an active electrode and the second electrode is configured to be a return electrode. The electrode tip can include a substantially conically-shaped portion, or can include a spherical portion and a cylindrical portion protruding from the spherical portion at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The substantially conically- shaped portion can include at least a portion of one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The distal end of the shaft can include a fluid outlet opening to provide fluid from a fluid source onto the first electrode and the second electrode.